By SKS
The recent announcement of nationwide power cuts due to unpaid bills has raised serious concerns among city officials and residents about the impact on essential services in the capital.
Mayor Yvonne Akie-Sawyerr has expressed alarm over the disruptions facing Freetown’s City Hall and the broader implications for the city’s development and service delivery.
Sierra Leone has long grappled with unreliable electricity supply, hampered by aging infrastructure and insufficient investment in modern energy solutions. Much of the country’s power generation capacity is outdated, leading to frequent outages and inconsistent service, even in Freetown.
The government’s recent decision to implement load shedding, citing unpaid electricity bills, threatens to exacerbate these issues, disrupting daily activities and vital public services.
Mayor Sawyer highlighted that keeping City Hall operational requires significant fuel consumption—approximately 1,500 litters daily at a cost of Le41,100 (Leone). The building, which houses multiple government agencies, private sector offices, and banking outlets, is equipped with seven lifts, an auditorium, a 400-tonne water tank, fire safety systems, and other critical infrastructure, all dependent on a stable power supply.
According to the Mayor, the City Hall currently operates two 800 KVA generators, with one on standby, but reliance on fuel-based backup remains costly and unsustainable.
“The ongoing power cuts are not only a logistical challenge but also hinder our ability to serve the public effectively,” Mayor Sawyerr stated. She called on the government to explore alternative measures for managing unpaid bills that do not compromise essential services, emphasizing the need for sustainable and reliable energy solutions.
This situation underscores the broader challenge facing Sierra Leone in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The current load shedding undermines efforts to promote universal electricity access and sustainable urban development.
The mayor stressed that the City Hall building’s critical functions, including administration, service delivery, and economic activities, depend on a stable power supply.
Despite the installation of solar panels post-construction, these have yet to meet the building’s energy demands, highlighting the urgent need for diversified and sustainable energy investments.
As Sierra Leone navigates these power challenges, city officials and communities remain hopeful for a swift resolution that aligns with the country’s commitments to sustainable and reliable energy access.
Mayor Sawyerr reiterated her readiness to provide further details about the city’s operational needs and urged the government to prioritize the restoration of stable electricity to ensure the continued growth and development of Freetown.
